Texans report: Clowney's homecoming a qualified success

Tight end Garrett Graham (88) comes down with the first Texans TD, a 7-yard reception in the third quarter against linebacker A.J. Klein.

Tight end Garrett Graham (88) comes down with the first Texans TD, a 7-yard reception in the third quarter against linebacker A.J. Klein.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff

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Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) displays his athleticism as he somersaults over Texans defensive end Jared Crick (93) for a 2-yard touchdown run during the third quarter.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) displays his athleticism as he somersaults over Texans defensive end Jared Crick (93) for a 2-yard touchdown run during the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff

Texans report: Clowney's homecoming a qualified success

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Although he didn't get his first NFL sack and the Texans lost 24-17, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney was excited to play before family and friends at Bank of America Stadium - 27 miles from his home in Rock Hill, S.C.

"I have to keep getting better. I got a little better this week. I feel OK right now."

Newton unsettles with his speed

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton threw two touchdown passes and ran for another one.

He finished 18-of-37 passing for 195 yards. He had one interception and was sacked two times. His rating was 71.3.

"He hurt us a little with his legs, extended some plays," Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph said.

Newton ran 10 times for 76 yards. His longest run was 19 yards. On his 2-yard TD run, he somersaulted into the end zone.

"He took off a couple of times and kept us on the field," cornerback Kareem Jackson said about Newton's running on third down. "He hurt us a couple of times.

"He's a double threat. You play coverage, and he takes off."

Graham's catch a team highlight

Tight end Garrett Graham caught only one pass, but it was good for a 7-yard touchdown that tied the score at 10 in the third quarter.

Quarterback Ryan Mallett saw Graham in the back of the end zone. Mallett, who has a strong arm, rifled a throw to Graham, who made a leaping catch and managed to keep both feet inbounds.

"It was a great catch," Mallett said. "We have to make more plays like that. We have to make more plays to change the game, especially the easier ones."

With Adams out, injuries mount

Left tackle Duane Brown was noncommittal about if he'll return Sunday against Tampa Bay because of a broken right thumb.

Much to his frustration, Brown was sidelined in the 24-17 loss to Carolina. It's been debated whether the Texans should build in additional time for the thumb, which remains in a cast, to heal before Brown returns.

Ideally, the Texans would be able to rest Brown and then have him return in two weeks against Atlanta. But the winless Texans are playing without right tackle Jeff Adams because of a serious knee injury suffered Sunday.

The injury might end his season after two games. The Texans used undrafted rookie Kendall Lamm at right tackle, with backup Chris Clark starting in place of Brown.

"Definitely as soon as possible, man," Brown said. "It's hard for me to sit on the sidelines and just watch my guys. I try to support them any way I can and help them any way I can. I'm definitely trying to get back as soon as possible and contribute."

When asked if he was hopeful of playing next week against Tampa Bay, Brown said: "Not sure yet. We're taking it a day at a time, seeing how it progresses. Hopefully. I'd like to get out there, but we'll see."

Meanwhile, Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz was shaken up with a left knee injury that briefly forced him out of the game. He returned, finishing with one catch for 19 yards. His knee will be examined again Monday.

Clark hurt his knee, too, but not seriously enough to leave the game. His knee will also be looked at again Monday.

"It's not bad," Clark said. "We just want to confirm that and make sure it's not anything nagging that's going to bother me."